Operation Sindoor: India’s Surgical Strikes on 9 Terror Camps in Pakistan, PoK Days After Pahalgam Attack
Pakistan State Media: India launched “Operation Sindoor,” striking 6 sites in Pakistan
PM Modi, UK’s Starmer Announce Landmark Trade Pact With Focus On Investment, Job Creation
‘LeT Involved?’: UN Security Council Blasts Pakistan Over Pahalgam
‘Full support in fight against terrorism’: Qatar’s Amir talks to PM Modi, condemns Pahalgam attack

What Else

Pakistan’s ‘manipulated, misguided’ group: India rejects OIC’s ‘absurd’ statement on Pahalgam terror attack
Pak national apprehended from LoC in Poonch: Army officials
India to overtake Japan as 4^th Largest economy in 2025
‘They wouldn’t have done this for anybody else’: Trump claims India agreed to drop tariff to ‘nothing’
Pakistan: Seven soldiers killed in Balochistan blast
Paksitan PM Shehbaz visits ISI HQ for briefing on security preparedness
Paksitan: Imran Khan bars PTI leaders from attending APC, NSC and apex committee
Pakistan fighting information war with India head-on: Tarar
Pakistan: Khawaja Asif warns of imminent clash with India
Dhaka sees no reason to speak preemptively unless Delhi wants: Foreign adviser

Operation Sindoor: India’s Surgical Strikes on 9 Terror Camps in Pakistan, PoK Days After Pahalgam Attack

A little while ago, [1.44 am today i.e., 7-5-2025] the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed.
Altogether, nine (9) sites have been targeted,” the PIB said in a statement.
No Pakistani Military Facility Targeted: India
“Our actions have been focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution,” the statement said.
“These steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were murdered. We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable,” it added. (PIB)
After the strike on 9 terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, India has activated all air defence units along the India-Pakistan border.
“All air defence units have been activated all along the India-Pakistan border to tackle any eventuality,” reported ANI, citing Defence Officials.
Pakistan again violated the Ceasefire Agreement by firing Artillery in Bhimber Gali in Poonch-Rajauri area, the Indian Army said.
The Indian Army is responding appropriately in a calibrated manner, it added.
India activates all defence units along India-Pakistan border: After the strike on 9 terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, India has activated all air defence units along the India-Pakistan border.
“Focused strikes were carried out on nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied J&K, targeting the roots of cross-border terror planning,” said the MoD on X.
The Pakistani army resorted to heavy mortar shelling on forward villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and Rajouri.
Officials said the shelling was reported from Krishna Ghati, Shahpur, and Mankote in Poonch, Laam, Manjakote and Gambeer Brahmana in Rajouri district.
Commercial flights suspended in northern parts of India
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan will on Tue review the preparations for strengthening civil defence mechanisms that include conducting mock drills on air-raid warning sirens, training civilians to protect themselves in the event of a “hostile attack” and cleaning bunkers and trenches.
Meanwhile, the UNSC has discussed rising tensions between India and Pakistan at closed-door consultations where envoys called for de-escalation and dialogue.
The 15-member UNSC did not state the meeting, but Pakistan claimed that its objectives were “largely served”. (more)
Here’s what we know about Operation Sindoor:
The military strikes were carried out under ‘Operation Sindoor’ at 1.44 am.
Under the operation, the forces hit terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed,” the army in a press release said.
Precision strike weapon systems of the 3 forces, the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, were used in the attacks, sources said.
The forces used Kamikaze drones – also known as loitering munitions – weapons designed to crash into a target, typically carrying a warhead.
The army said the forces targeted 9 sites, stressing “no Pakistani military facilities have been targeted”.
“India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and the method of execution,” the army said.
At least 3 Indian jets have crashed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor, Ramban, and Pampore areas, The Hindu reported, citing a government official.
At least 3 civilians were killed and 5 injured in heavy artillery firing by Pakistan across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, sources in the Indian Army told TIE Wed.
Among the nine sites targeted are the Jaish-e-Mohammed hq in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s in Muridke, the sources said.
The operation was in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.
PM Modi, who had vowed to avenge the terror attack in Pahalgam, monitored the operation through the night, the sources said.
Soon after the operation, NSA Ajit Doval spoke with the US NSA and Secretary of State Marco Rubio and briefed him on the actions taken.
A detailed briefing on ‘Operation Sindoor’ will happen later today, the army said. (more)
India’s airstrike reportedly killed 62 Lashkar terrorists and handlers. (NDTV)
Indian Air Force seizes control of Srinagar airport (Jammu and Kashmir). All civilian flight operations have been suspended.

Pakistan State Media: India launched “Operation Sindoor,” striking 6 sites in Pakistan, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad, claiming to target terrorist infrastructure.

Pakistan responded with force, shooting down three Indian jets, and claimed to have destroyed an Indian brigade headquarters and a checkpost along the Line of Control.
The strikes resulted in 8 Pakistani deaths and 35 injuries, with mosques and civilian areas targeted.
Statements and Reactions:
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar denied India’s allegations of terrorist links and accused India of “running away” from an investigation into the Pahalgam attack.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif vowed a “befitting response” and invited international media to visit the targets to expose India’s “lies.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was briefed on the situation by Indian NSA.
Donald Trump called India’s actions a “shame”.
Current Situation: Pakistan’s Prime Minister has summoned a National Security Committee meeting.
Diplomatic channels are engaged to prevent further conflict.

[Pakistan seems unlikely to escalate tensions further, but may take some symbolic or limited actions to show response.]

PM Modi, UK’s Starmer Announce Landmark Trade Pact With Focus On Investment, Job Creation

India and the UK have concluded a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aimed at deepening their strategic partnership and boosting economic cooperation.
The agreement, which took 3 years to finalize, is expected to unlock significant economic gains for India by eliminating tariffs on 99% of Indian exports, covering nearly 100% of trade value.
Key Benefits for India:
Tariff Elimination: The UK will scrap tariffs on nearly 99% of tariff lines, benefiting Indian exports like textiles, leather, marine products, gems and jewelry, footwear, toys, sports goods, auto parts, and organic chemicals.
Increased Employment Opportunities: The agreement is set to create significant employment opportunities in India, particularly in labor-intensive sectors like textiles and manufacturing.
Simplified Mobility for Professionals: The FTA eases mobility for Indian professionals and skilled workers in the UK, including contractual service suppliers, business visitors, investors, and intra-corporate transferees.
Key Benefits for the UK:
Reduced Tariffs: India will reduce tariffs on various UK products, including whisky, medical devices, advanced machinery, and lamb, making British exports more competitive.
Access to Indian Market: The UK’s advanced manufacturing sectors, such as aerospace and automotive, will benefit from increased access to the Indian market.
Clean Energy Industry Boost: The trade deal will boost the UK’s clean energy industry, with new access to India’s vast procurement market.
Reaction from Leaders:
PM Modi described the FTA as a “historic milestone” that will deepen India’s strategic partnership with the UK and catalyze trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation.
UK PM Keir Starmer said the deal is “fantastic news for British business, British workers, and British shoppers,” highlighting his govt’s commitment to delivering a stronger and more secure economy. (more)
Overall Impact
Increased Bilateral Trade: The FTA aims to increase bilateral trade between India and the UK, which stood at $21.34 billion in 2023-24.
Job Creation: The agreement is expected to create significant employment opportunities in India, particularly in sectors like textiles, manufacturing, and IT/ITeS.
Digitally Delivered Services: The FTA includes significant commitments on digitally delivered services, including IT/ITeS, financial, professional, and educational services.
Protection of Intellectual Property: The agreement is expected to provide robust protection for intellectual property rights.
Dispute Resolution Mechanism: The FTA includes a dispute resolution mechanism to resolve trade disputes between the two countries promptly and efficiently.
Cooperation in Emerging Technologies: The agreement is expected to promote cooperation in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and renewable energy.
Increased Investment Opportunities: The FTA aims to increase investment opportunities in both countries, particularly in sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

‘LeT Involved?’: UN Security Council Blasts Pakistan Over Pahalgam

The United Nations Security Council held a closed-door consultation on tensions between India and Pakistan, focusing on the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
According to sources, the UNSC members strongly criticized Pakistan, questioning its involvement in supporting terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba.
They condemned the attack and emphasized the need for accountability, rejecting Pakistan’s attempts to shift blame.
The members also expressed concern over Pakistan’s nuclear rhetoric and recent missile tests.
Despite Pakistan’s denial of involvement, the UNSC members urged both countries to resolve their issues bilaterally.
Following the meeting, diplomats called for de-escalation and peaceful resolution of the conflict.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had earlier appealed for restraint and dialogue between the two nations.
India had suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and canceled visas of Pakistanis living in India after the attack.
No official statement has been issued by the UNSC or India, but diplomats described the meeting as “productive and helpful.” (more)

‘Full support in fight against terrorism’: Qatar’s Amir talks to PM Modi, condemns Pahalgam attack

Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, condoled with PM Modi over the Pahalgam terror attack, condemning the incident and expressing support for India’s fight against terrorism.
PM Modi thanked the Amir for his solidarity.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening India-Qatar strategic partnership, agreeing to implement decisions made during the Amir’s state visit to India earlier this year.
The phone call came amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the attack.
The Amir backed India’s efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, showing solidarity in the face of terrorism. (more)

Pakistan’s ‘manipulated, misguided’ group: India rejects OIC’s ‘absurd’ statement on Pahalgam terror attack

India on Tue hit out at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation for refusing to recognise cross-border linkages to the Pahalgam terror attack.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the OIC’s statement on the attack as “absurd” and said it was made at Pakistan’s behest.
“The OIC statement, issued at the behest of Pakistan, is absurd in refusing to recognise the facts of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and its cross-border linkages,” MEA spox said.
“This is yet another attempt by Pakistan, a country that has long engaged in cross-border terrorism, to manipulate and misguide the OIC group to issue a self-serving statement,” he said.
“We reject the OIC’s interference on matters that are internal to India,” spox added.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation expressed “deep concern” over the deteriorating security situation in South Asia and called for restraint and dialogue between India and Pakistan. [What they said religion-based killing of 26 innocents?]
The OIC urged resolving differences through peaceful means, under international law and the UN Charter. (more) [New Delhi rightly asked them to sit down]

Pak national apprehended from LoC in Poonch: Army officials

A Pakistani national was apprehended near the Line of Control in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir.
The army is investigating.
This incident comes after another Pakistani national was detained by the Border Security Force in Punjab for crossing the border.
Meanwhile, a BSF trooper was detained by Pakistan Rangers after accidentally crossing the border near Firozpur.
The BSF has advised its troops to be extra cautious during patrols.
Efforts are being made to bring back the detained trooper, with the BSF lodging a protest with the Pak Rangers. Tensions are high along the India-Pakistan border. (more)

India to overtake Japan as 4^th Largest economy in 2025

The International Monetary Fund projects India to become the world’s fourth-largest economy in 2025, surpassing Japan with a nominal GDP of $4.187 trillion.
India will trail behind the US, China, and Germany, with GDPs of $30.51 trillion, $19.23 trillion, and $4.74 trillion, respectively.
India’s rise reflects its rapid economic expansion, robust domestic demand, and structural reforms.
However, recent data shows a moderation in momentum, with the IMF lowering India’s growth forecast for 2025-26 to 6.2% from 6.5%.
Global trade uncertainty, including the US tariff war, has contributed to the downgrade, affecting market access and investment decisions. (more)

‘They wouldn’t have done this for anybody else’: Trump claims India agreed to drop tariff to ‘nothing’

US President Donald Trump claimed India agreed to drop tariffs on American imports to “nothing,” attributing the decision to his influence.
However, India hasn’t officially confirmed this. Trade talks between the two countries are ongoing, with India proposing a zero-for-zero tariff arrangement on specific goods like steel, auto parts, and pharmaceuticals.
This proposal includes a cap on import volumes and mutual reciprocity, meaning standard duties would be reinstated if imports exceed agreed thresholds.
Ongoing Trade Talks:
Tariff Reductions: India considers cutting tariffs on over 30 products, including electronics, textiles, and luxury cars, to avoid higher reciprocal duties from the US.
Defence and Energy Imports: India may boost imports of US defence and energy goods to strengthen ties and avoid trade disputes.
Regulatory Barriers: The US has raised concerns about India’s Quality Control Orders (QCOs), which mandate technical standards for products sold in the country.
It’s worth noting that in June 2023, the US and India agreed to terminate six outstanding WTO disputes, and India removed retaliatory tariffs on certain US products. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan: Seven soldiers killed in Balochistan blast

Seven Pakistani army soldiers were killed when their vehicle was targeted by an improvised explosive device in the southwestern province of Balochistan.
Pakistan’s military said members of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) armed group targeted the vehicle carrying the soldiers in the province bordering Iran and Afghanistan on Tue.
Pakistan’s military blamed India for the attack, claiming it was carried out by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), an “Indian proxy,” but provided no evidence to support this claim.
An unnamed senior local govt official told the AFP news agency the vehicle that was hit was part of a convoy on its way to a security operation. (more)

Paksitan PM Shehbaz visits ISI HQ for briefing on security preparedness

PM Shehbaz Sharif visited the headquarters of the Inter-Services Intelligence on Tue, where he received a detailed briefing on the country’s security posture amid heightened tensions with India.
The delegation underscored the importance of enhanced national vigilance, inter-agency coordination, and operational readiness to respond to any threats to Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
ISI Briefing: The briefing focused on preparedness against conventional threats, hybrid warfare, and proxy threats, with an emphasis on national vigilance and inter-agency coordination.
During the visit, PM expressed appreciation for the ISI’s role in national security and praised the professionalism of the armed forces, reaffirming the state’s commitment to defending the country against all forms of threats.
The National Security Committee warned that any attempt to block water flow into Pakistan would be considered an act of war. (more)

Paksitan: Imran Khan bars PTI leaders from attending APC, NSC and apex committee

Imran Khan has directed PTI leaders to block the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Bill and prohibited them from attending key meetings without his approval.
Khan, currently in prison, expressed reservations about party operations without his input and instructed leaders to focus on reinvigorating the movement.
He criticized senior leader Ali Amin Gandapur for not visiting him in jail.
Khan also urged the Pakistani govt to take a firm stance against India, criticizing the govt’s response as “drama.”
His sister Aleema dismissed rumors about his health, calling them Indian media propaganda. Khan’s directives reflect his continued influence within PTI.
Imran also reportedly warned against the misuse of his X account, questioning how individuals like Faisal Chaudhry gain access. (more)

Pakistan fighting information war with India head-on: Tarar

Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused India of information warfare and false flag operations in the National Assembly.
He claimed Pakistan is exposing India’s falsehoods globally and defeating it diplomatically.
The debate followed a deadly attack in Pahalgam, which India blamed on Pakistan.
Tarar alleged India tried to block Pakistan’s online content and claimed Pakistan’s armed forces would respond strongly to any aggression.
Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Kashmir and accused India of state-sponsored terrorism.
The opposition echoed sentiments of national unity against Indian aggression.
India’s actions were described as a threat to regional peace. (more)

Pakistan: Khawaja Asif warns of imminent clash with India

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned of an “inevitable” military confrontation with India amid escalating regional tensions.
Asif stated that India will “pay a heavy price” for any attempt to seize Pakistani territory and threatened to destroy any structures built to restrict Pakistan’s water supply.
The warning comes after PM Shehbaz Sharif received a briefing on the country’s security posture, highlighting India’s “assertive posture” along the eastern border.
Pakistan has accused India of trying to restrict its water supply, citing the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. (more)
Clash with India ‘can happen anytime’, Dawn, citing Defence Minister Asif, says,

Dhaka sees no reason to speak preemptively unless Delhi wants: Foreign adviser

Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain emphasized the country’s desire for peace in South Asia, stating that Dhaka wants no conflict and prefers resolving problems through talks.
After a phone call from Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Touhid Hossain informed Pakistan that Bangladesh wants peace and no escalation of tension.
He clarified that Islamabad didn’t seek assistance from Dhaka.

Bangladesh won’t proactively reach out to India with a peace message but will convey the same message if Delhi initiates contact (more)

Top Headlines: Operation Sindoor: India’s Surgical Strikes on 9 Terror Camps in Pakistan, PoK Days After Pahalgam Attack